The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for attending court and conducting all local criminal prosecutions. The District Attorney is a State Constitutional Officer when prosecuting crimes defined under State Law. Additionally, the office provides legal advice to all law enforcement agencies and provides training programs for their personnel; thus, increasing the probability of successful prosecutions. The mission of the Office is to promote justice, ensure that the rights of victims are upheld by treating them with dignity, respect and compassion, and aggressively and fairly prosecuting those who violate the law
The District Attorney’s Office seeks a Legal Assistant. This position assists staff attorneys with the preparation of criminal or civil cases; assists in the preparation of legal documents for presentation to the court; and researches legal issues.
The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

• Upon request of staff attorneys, drafts motions, pleadings, research memoranda, interrogatories, and other miscellaneous documents.
• Assists in researching, interpreting and applying laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs.
• Interviews witnesses, victims, and defendants to obtain pertinent information concerning the case; communicates findings to the attorney responsible for the conduct of the trial.

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Legal Assistant (Download PDF reader)
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Skill and Ability to:

• Research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Present statements of law and fact clearly, accurately, and logically in written and oral form.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Education:
Completion of one year of law school with a recognized legal program.

Experience:
Two years of experience in a legal office performing duties requiring legal research.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
• Successfully pass a background check to include Department of Justice (DOJ) fingerprinting.

BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the J-Unit Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Stephanie Ahumada, Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 755-5238, or ahumadas@countyofmonterey.gov.